Daughter wants to be a vet

AlwaysAllie

Also remember that a lot of the work that a vet does is relating to people (owners) so while she's not old enough for animal placements, get as much experience as possible for working with different types of people.

AA

onlyroz

She will need A grades in biology, chemistry and maths, as well as experience working with animals. Perhaps volunteering at a stable, or with the RSPCA - and getting school work experience placements at a vet. Also don't forget that a large part of a vet's work is with farm animals and not just cute cuddly wuddly kittens - and so perhaps explore work experience opportunities on a farm as well.

zagubov

There are only about 350 or so places at vet schools each year. IIRC they are at London, Liverpool, Cambridge Bristol, Nottingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh. Only about 1 in every 7 A level centres will send students to a vet school. Much more exclusive than medicine or dentistry.

sn1987a

How is she doing academically? In what set is she and what do her teachers think? Having a tutor doesn't necessary mean that she will be able to get top grades in science and maths. And even if she gets top grades in GCSE, she may not get the grades she needs in A levels. The system is different now, no A/A*, but 1-9 for GCSE. On the other hand she may be brilliant and one of the best vets ever! Deciding what to do now is not too early, but she should keep her options open. I am a science teacher and I have seen a lot of students having unrealistic expectations/not realising the work they need to put in. And I have seen a lot of times students failing even with a tutor and support from the school.
She should also do all the chasing for volunteering work. In the future she will need to compete with other students that have been more active. She needs to stand out and improve as many of her skills as possible.
Good luck!

Out,_Vile_Jelly

zagubov wrote: »

There are only about 350 or so places at vet schools each year. IIRC they are at London, Liverpool, Cambridge Bristol, Nottingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh. Only about 1 in every 7 A level centres will send students to a vet school. Much more exclusive than medicine or dentistry.

I think Surrey are soon to open a Vets school too.

Some great advice on this thread, especially about considering the many other animal/environment-related jobs there are.

zagubov

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I think Surrey are soon to open a Vets school too.

Some great advice on this thread, especially about considering the many other animal/environment-related jobs there are.

Actually I think the first year is just starting. There's another one planned for the north midlands (Harper Adams/Keele).

sheramber

some information here

http://www.avsukireland.co.uk/getting-into-vet-school/

Robisere

The one factor in Veterinary work not yet mentioned here, is the mess that can be encountered. I have a friend in another county who is a vet and he states that is one thing he impresses on Work Placement young people. He introduces them to it ASAP and says that it weeds out the ones who "love cuddly animals" from those who genuinely want to work with them and are prepared for messy issues and the possibility of experiencing blood and injuries.

Any young person who can deal with those issues and still carry on the work, has a chance.

MoaningMyrtle

University of Surrey has its first intake in September.

ELLA

Thanks everyone for all your comments, she is going to ask our local vets for advice and see if you can volunteer, I believe he would have to apply to our local council for a work permit for her as she's under 16, nothing's ever simple :-)